Once again, we find ourselves at the holiday season. It is that time of year when we are busier than ever. We hit the malls, send the cards, attend the parties and on and on. Many people have a love-hate relationship with the holiday season. It is a lot of fun, but it sure takes a lot of work. There are so many preparations that need to be made. There is so much to be done that we actually ask each other this question: “Are you ready for Christmas?”
By the time you read this article, Christmas will still be a couple of weeks away. Most of us will still have some preparations to finish up for the holidays. We are probably not “ready” for Christmas just yet.
I want you to think about a different kind of preparation over the holiday season. I encourage you to think about your spiritual preparation. I believe that most of us know and celebrate Christmas to be the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. He came to save us and forgive us.
And yet, much of our Christmas celebration is cluttered with worldly trappings. Christmas has become so commercialized, that we often fail to focus on the real reason for the season.
Back in the 6th century, the Christian church established the season of Advent which leads up to Christmas day. Advent which literally means the “coming” or the “Arrival” was meant to be a time of spiritual preparation. It was a season when Christians would remember the real reason for Christmas and the fact that Jesus Christ had come. It was also a time when new believers would prepare for their baptism. Advent was meant to be a time of introspection and spiritual growth. It was a time to examine one’s heart and remove any stumbling blocks that would hinder your relationship with God. It was a time to get your heart right with God.
In the early days of Advent, there were several different meanings attached to this season. As I said, the word Advent means “coming.” This season was a time to reflect upon the different comings of Jesus.
The first coming was Jesus’ birth as a baby in Bethlehem. During the Advent season we remember the fact that God invaded our planet in person 2000 years ago. Jesus came to reveal the face of God to us, and the ultimately He came to give His life for our sins. We should remember his coming with awe and wonder. God came. We should slow down at Christmas and worship our God.
The second coming is the coming of Jesus into our personal lives and into our hearts as we receive Him as Savior. Jesus didn’t just come to earth, but He also wants to come into our lives. Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Are we open to Jesus’ coming into our lives. Are our hearts open to Him? Are we ready to receive Jesus personally?
The third coming is when Jesus will return to the world again from heaven as King and Judge. He will come again to rule and judge the nations. He will come again to gather his people for Himself. The scriptures call us to continually be ready, to be prepared for the day of his return. Are we ready? Are we living a life for His glory? Will we be ready to meet him when he returns?
Are you ready – ready for Christmas? Ready for Christ? He is coming. Be prepared. And that’s the Word.